How to Build a Standing Shower

Define Building Plan

• It's easier to construct a shower with a detailed plan, so sketch the overall bath floor plan and wall areas on graph paper first. Look for different ways to install a shower. For example, you might want an all-glass shower unit or you could build lower walls of tile and upper walls of glass block. If the bath is small, clear walls of glass are an excellent choice.

Plan Plumbing Connections

• A plan for the shower calls for figuring out routes for water pipes and floor drains. If you take out an old bathtub, for example, you can use this same drain for the shower with appropriate planning. Water pipes may extend to the shower from the sink area or through walls from an adjacent bathroom.

Review Electrical Issues

• Good lighting is crucial to the design of the shower space. Recessed lights in the ceiling are a popular choice. Or use a large overhead light fixture just outside the shower, depending on the room's design. Wait until you establish the electrical needs of the bathroom and all light fixtures before beginning construction of the shower.

Clear Old Materials

• You will need to remove flooring and old fixtures first. Choose a weekend or vacation time for the least inconvenience to the family. Turn off plumbing and electricity before prying loose old flooring tiles or taking out a toilet. Cabinets or baseboard materials that will not be part of the new plan will need to be removed from the room.

Build Shower Foundation

• The strength of the shower's base is important for any design you build. While walls can be repaired or replaced, you don't want the base to shift or crack. Build the base of porcelain tiles recommended for showers, as one choice. The width of the base walls and dimensions of the base should accommodate the weight of glass wall sections or walls of tile, so never skimp on base materials. If necessary, move a cabinet or toilet to build an adequate shower base.

Seal All Gaps

• As you build the shower, caulk all corner areas, base areas and tile sections carefully. A leak around a shower drain, for instance, can cause an entire bath floor to decay quickly. Sealing the shower properly is just as important as using the correct building materials.

Create Sitting Space

• A built-inch bench in the shower is always a good idea. Having a sitting area to give a pedicure or wait for completion of a hair treatment is extremely handy. Construct the bench within the tile walls or build the bench as part of the tile floor before installing glass walls.